Take Your Sleigh Along Route 66 in Illinois for Christmas

Iconic Route 66 runs across half of the United States and is full of history and things to see from earlier eras. Christmas time brings out extra things along this magical American pathway.

Did Santa actually hitchhike on Route 66? You know there's a story there.

Don’t miss Route 66 in Pontiac, Illinois, for Christmas. Follow the holiday lights to downtown Pontiac where you’ll find the Route 66 hall of fame and museum located in an old fire department building. Sure to spark nostalgia from road trips and family vacations, there are seasonal activities at the museum.

Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum

South of Lincoln, you’ll find Elkhart, Illinois, and its Christmas Candlelight Services with several opportunities to enjoy the town’s tradition of welcoming Christmas with stories and songs Saturday, December 6^th, at St. John the Baptist stone chapel on top of Elkhart Hill.

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Further south along Route 66 you’ll find Staunton, Illinois and its annual Holiday Walk, where vendors line the streets and Duda Park gets lit up with the official Staunton Christmas tree and a live nativity scene. Music, food, and Christmas festivity along Route 66. This year, everything gets underway Friday, December 5^th, at 4p.

West End gas connecting downtown E'ville and St. Louis Street

There’s also Christmas at West End Service Station in Edwardsville, Illinois coming up Saturday, December 13, starting at 1p. Rumor is that Santa may stop by (if everyone behaves themselves), and you just might leave with a gift.

Did we use to place toys and gifts on the Christmas tree branches?

Other Christmas events light up in Lexington and Springfield and all up and down Route 66 in Illinois, the “Mother Road” takes on a special seasonal vibe. Hop on, and roll into your memories.